Raila Odinga pushes for stronger Senate to balance legislative power

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is prodding for the Senate to be granted additional powers and elevated to the status of an Upper House similar to the United States Senate.
The ODM leader said that enhancing the Senate’s mandate would enable it to fully perform its role as envisioned under the 2010 Constitution.
He said this after a special session with Senators, aimed at addressing key financial issues to bolster devolution.
Odinga emphasized the necessity for the Senate to have a more substantial legislative authority, stating, “The Senate must be empowered to play its rightful role in the legislative process.”
He argued that a stronger Senate would ensure a more balanced distribution of power between the two Houses of Parliament, thereby enhancing the checks and balances within the legislative framework.
The proposal aligns with Odinga’s long-standing advocacy for devolution and fiscal equity. He has consistently criticized the National Assembly for what he perceives as attempts to undermine county governments’ autonomy.
“The Senate needs to play its role, just as the National Assembly has resumed playing its part. We have countries with a similar constitutional structure, and it works very well,” Raila said.
“So let’s see our Senate function like the United States Senate, and let’s give it proper powers and responsibilities—same thing.”
The session was convened to deliberate on the Fourth Basis Revenue Sharing Formula, a contentious issue that has seen the Senate and National Assembly at odds over the allocation of funds to counties. While the National Assembly proposes a reduction in the shareable revenue, the Senate insists on maintaining or increasing the allocation to ensure the effective functioning of county governments.
Odinga’s intervention is seen as a strategic move to leverage Senate support in the ongoing financial debates. By advocating for a more powerful Senate, he aims to create a legislative environment where both Houses have equitable authority, thereby preventing any single entity from dominating the legislative process.
Political analysts view Odinga’s proposal as a response to what he perceives as a growing centralization of power in the National Assembly.
“This is a call for a more balanced legislative structure, where the Senate has the authority to check and balance the decisions of the National Assembly,” noted political analyst Arafat Bigambo.
The push for a more powerful Senate also resonates with broader calls for constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening devolution and ensuring equitable resource distribution across the country. Odinga has previously advocated for the devolution of funds such as the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to county governments, arguing that MPs should focus on legislation and oversight rather than project implementation.
He also stressed that the National Assembly has its distinct sphere and must carry out its duties without encroaching on the Senate’s mandate.
“The National Assembly has its sphere, and it should do its work. Together, the National Assembly and the Senate form Parliament, whose role is to represent, legislate, and provide oversight,” Raila stated.
He noted that Parliament is central to governance because the Executive relies on the laws it passes, while the Judiciary interprets them.
“The Executive governs the country using the laws passed by Parliament; the Judiciary interprets those laws. That’s how we want it to function,” Raila said.